Arthritis

The term arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases
that cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and
connective tissue. According to the Arthritis
Foundation,
almost 43 million people in the United States, or one in six
people, suffer from some kind of arthritis. Arthritis is
usually chronic and can drastically change the lifestyle and
freedom of those afflicted with it.

Three Most Frequent Types of
Arthritis:

Osteoarthritis
- the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly 21
million people in America, most of whom are women over the
age of 45. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering the
ends of bones deteriorates, leading to pain and loss of
movement when connecting bones rub together.

Rheumatoid
arthritis - a disease of the immune system in which joint
linings become chronically inflamed, eventually leading to
deterioration of the joint and loss of movement.

Fibromyalgia
causes connective tissues and muscles throughout the body
to become painful, and is sometimes associated with
changes in weather, sleep patterns, and level of activity or
stress.

Both
fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to
affect women than men.

Anyone can get arthritis, including children. Women are nearly
twice as likely to develop the disease as men. However, with
early diagnosis and a treatment program designed specifically
for the patient, the painful symptoms of most types of
arthritis can be eased and managed successfully.

Common Warning Signs of
Arthritis:

Morning
stiffness lasting 30 minutes or longer

Joint pain or
tenderness that is constant or that comes and goes

Not being
able to move a joint in the normal way

Redness or
warmth in a joint

Weight loss,
fever or weakness and joint pain that can't be explained

If any of these symptoms lasts longer than two weeks, see your
doctor.

Arthritis brings with it both physical and psychological
stresses, including pain, limited movement, fatigue, anger and
depression. It may limit daily activities like walking,
dressing, driving and working.

Once arthritis is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe a
combination of medication, rest, a therapeutic or recreational
exercise program, joint protection techniques, and the
application of heat or cold. Depending upon the type of
arthritis and the associated pain, there may not be a need for
medication.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends that people
with arthritis try to keep their weight down through diet and
carefully monitored exercise. They may require surgery, and,
in some severe cases, may even have to have their joints
replaced.